ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This results in a significant cost for both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify because they look different than those of men. This can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Women also face difficulties finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects women as they age.
Adults with ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems in planning, organisation forgetfulness, being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you spoke about during the course of a conversation.
Women can also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become wildly emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Additionally to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is due to the fact that as women start to go through menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss about their issues they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to see your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert, or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any issues they may have caused.
adhd in women symptoms don't recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself.
ADHD symptoms can also impact school, work, and relationships. As adults, this could mean having trouble with keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance use depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances as well as making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, speak with your employer. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't a result of being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It's just going to require a little more planning and effort.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. They may charge a fee, but you'll be assessed by a qualified professional. They also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, but it is essential to discuss the potential side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to track the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.
Adults with ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events like pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. Changes in the ways you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a form of therapy for talking that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapist. Other therapies that many find helpful are eating an wholesome diet, attempting to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary food items, and doing plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet other women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a mixture of treatment options like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. Being active enough can boost concentration and mood while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and wellbeing.
Many women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern-day society like being a good partner or parent, managing a household and performing well at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD feel not understood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, many people with ADHD have co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.
There is plenty of support for women and girls who have ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that features important information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups as well as an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD problems and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to have an assessment. The GP can recommend the employee to a service that's the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It's important to remember that some individuals have difficulty being assessed because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It may be that their problems are due to a different issue, such as mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
Also, it's important to note that ADHD is an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean the possibility of a flexible work schedule, additional training or assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellbeing interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to find out more about how we can support your company, contact us today.